Eggnog Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

So, I just finished the first season of Alias. Basically that means I’m totally hooked or I’d have given up after the first few episodes. I’m kind of bummed it’s only five seasons but it’s better than not having a fun new to me series to watch. I know it’s totally far fetched and unrealistic but it’s still a lot of fun to watch. Plus it’s entertaining to see Jennifer Garner kicking butt.

While we’re on the entertainment topic, once again, have you seen the trailer for Maleficent yet? I’m just a tad excited for it. I’m obsessed with all of these grown up versions (aka real people) of my favorite Disney movies from my childhood.

But what I’m most excited for is Catching Fire. I’m sure you’ll be hearing me babble on about my excitement more in the coming days and after the fact. Fingers crossed it’s really good or I’m going to be bummed. If you haven’t read the books, you really need to before watching the movies because like any movie based on a book – the books are worlds better. So, have you read the series and are you going to see it?

Now, these bars. I love pumpkin, I do. but it was time for a change. Cranberry needs the spotlight for a minute. I just happened to see cartons of eggnog at the store already so this recipe was meant to be. I’ve already shared a mini eggnog cheesecake recipe but I felt the need to make a crowd pleasing easy to make and serve recipe. No special pan required, kind of dessert. This is just that.

These creamy eggnog cheesecake bars are easy to make and a cinch to serve. Slice them into whatever size or shape you desire to feed your friends and family. My favorite part is the tart cranberry swirls. It’s a perfect flavor combination. These eggnog cheesecake bars are a must make for your Thanksgiving (and even Christmas!) dessert table. Eggnog is a full season long flavor! It’s time to grab a carton and get baking!

Directions:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add cranberries, sugar and water. Stir occasionally, cooking until cranberries have all burst. Press mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Discard solids. Cover and chill.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. With mixer on low, add eggnog, vanilla, salt, nutmeg and flour. Gradually increase speed while adding remaining two eggs. Beat just until mixture is combined and no lumps remain. Pour filling onto prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Dollop cranberry puree over filling. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl cranberry puree.

Bake for 40 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in pan until cheesecake is room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator to cool completely. When cheesecake is sufficiently chilled, carefully grab parchment paper to remove cheesecake from pan. Slice into equal squares. Serve immediately or store chilled until ready to eat.

Catching Fire… I almost can’t talk about it, I’m that excited. I just finished reading the books and watched the first movie. I have someone totally different in mind for Finnick but hey, I’ll take what I can get. Super excited for the movie! And for these bars. Holy moly, do they look amazing. I love that you used cranberry over raspberry. Delish!

Rachel — November 14th, 2013 @ 2:16 pm

Cranberry totally wins my heart this time of the year :) It had to be that or nothing lol

I bet these bars are so good and I like that they’re a switch from pumpkin. Love the flavor of eggnog and I bet tart cranberry is so good with it! Glad you’re enjoying Alias. I loved that show, but the last season…not so good so brace yourself. Can’t wait for Maleficent!

Rachel — November 14th, 2013 @ 2:18 pm

Oh no!! That’s a bummer to hear about the last season. Maybe I won’t mind it so much.

I’m so excited that this recipe features two of my favorite winter ingredients — eggnog and cranberries. And they’re combined in a cheesecake bar?! Ingenious! Can’t wait to try this. Pinning to make soon!

Yes! Eggnog and cranberries! I was just wondering about this combination ;)
I have yet to watch Alias. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve been on a Vampire Diaries kick lately… Very embarrassed about it but I’m completely addicted to it!

Rachel — November 15th, 2013 @ 7:13 am

No need to be embarrassed. I kind of love that show too lol. I’ve been watching from the start so it’s hard to stop.

These are so pretty! I love the cranberry swirls. In one on them, there is a pretty “heart” swirl on the left. (did you plan that?) I too cannot wait for Catching Fire!! I am so excited! (and I have HIGH hopes for it!)

I made this for Christmas dinner. The cheesecake itself was fine, but I didn’t think it tasted like eggnog. What brand of eggnog did you use? I couldn’t taste the cranberries either. One cup of raw cranberries cooked down to between a quarter and a third of a cup of puree. I had to add a a tsp more water and sugar to get all of the berries to pop without burning the rest. I also had a problem getting the crumbs to form a solid crust. Did I over cook it? Under cook it? Maybe the ratio of butter to crumbs was off?

Rachel — December 27th, 2014 @ 7:22 am

Everyone has very different taste preferences so I can’t speak for the flavors of eggnog and cranberries. As for the crust, if you’re ever having trouble with something like that, adding more butter would be your best bet. The measurements listed are accurate, as you can see from the picture they came together for me fine. But if measurements were off at all, that can play a huge factor in the final result.